Davao is a key city on the southern Philippine island of
Mindanao. Because of its strategic
geographic location, many missions organizations use Davao as a center for
outreach ministries. The city is large
enough to provide an infrastructure that will sustain many types of work, yet
small enough to provide a relatively secure and comfortable lifestyle. Its proximity to minority religious groups
creates opportunity to reach people who were previously isolated from a
Christian witness.

For many
years, most missionaries taught their children at home. But in

1979 a group of parents met together
to discuss possibilities for launching a local elementary school for MKs. A year later, the United Christian Academy
was established with four students enrolled. Davao’s Missionary Alliance Church
allowed

the classes to use its educational facilities. During the next two years, more missionary
families arrived in the area and the number of students doubled. Classes were transferred to the second floor
of Brokenshire School of Nursing. These
changes prompted parents to pursue a
cooperating relationship with Faith Academy in Manila.

By 1982, the instructional staff had grown to four full time
teachers. Parent volunteers helped with
Physical Education, Art, Music, and various activities. In Manila, the Faith Academy Board of Trustees voted to
adopt the growing school, and it became Faith Academy Davao. The satellite campus offered MK education for
grades 1-8.

During this time SIL created a High School that was situated
adjacent to the Faith campus. Mindanao Christian Academy (MICA) and Faith Davao
functioned cooperatively for several years. In 2008 the two schools merged to
become the K – 12 campus called Faith Mindanao, a branch school of Faith
Academy, Inc.

As Faith Mindanao grew (now over 150 students) and
established itself as a school community there became an increasing need and
desire for more local governance and oversight. Having a School Board and Head
of School more than 1,500 kilometers away was less than desirable. It was
especially inconvenient when the Faith Mindanao

administration desired to take
quick action on school issues. In response to this and other similar matters,
the Faith Academy Board decided it would serve both school communities best if
the Faith Mindanao campus became an independent school. In light of this, on
January 1, 2015, Faith International Academy of Davao
(FIA) along with their new School Board, was officially recognized and
established. Alan Farlin is the first FIA Head of School. Alan brings a great
legacy to the position. He was the former Principal of Faith Davao for several
years and helped establish MICA. He was
also the Principal of the newly merged Faith Mindanao for a few years.

This is a new chapter in the history of the two schools. We
look forward to what God will continue to do through the ministries of Faith
Academy and Faith International Academy as they aim to serve God’s Kingdom by
educating missionary kids. To God be the glory!

Please
help spread the word about our staff needs at Faith Academy - we need you.
Connections with our alumni and former staff are still listed among the
biggest reasons people apply to serve at Faith. The link below is an electronic
copy of our staff needs. Please consider how to share our needs with your
friends, colleagues, mission organizations, supporters and churches. If you
have questions or other ideas for spreading the word about Faith Academy,
please let us know. (recruitment@faith.edu.ph)

I have been receiving numerous questions about how people can donate money for typhoon relief. There are a number of good organizations out there but I would like to suggest that you consider directing people to donate through Faith Academy. 100% of the money that comes in through Faith Academy will go directly to typhoon relief in the form of food, personal items and construction materials. Financial donations can be made on-line at: http://faith.edu.ph/store/donations/ Please designate "Typhoon Relief". If you have any questions please contact Bob Lehman at: bob.lehman@faith.edu.ph

Faith Academy is in need of a Co-Athletic Director. The person will assist the Athletic Director in the organization, supervision and administration of the overall program in athletics. Please email recruitment@faith.edu.ph for further inquiries.

Faith Academy has an
urgent need for an IT Director to oversee our technological needs; someone to
help develop and manage our IT department. Please help Faith get the word out
by informing your churches and supporters of our urgent need. If you or someone
you know is interested send an email to recruitment@faith.edu.ph